Unit for adjusting humidification

ABSTRACT

To provide a unit for adjusting humidification capable of improving inconveniences that may otherwise be caused to occur due to damages, while sustaining the humidifying ability and other performance that are to be originally achieved by the humidification adjusting unit. Around the outer surface of the exothermic member  13  are wound multiple hollow fibers  14  each having a minute diameter and having a peripheral wall with minute openings each being large enough to allow water vapor to permeate therethrough yet small enough to fail to permeate water therethrough, and the multiple hollow fibers  14  and the exothermic member  13  are inserted tightly into an extendable mesh cover tube  15  in engagement therewith. In order to perform humidification, water to be supplied to the multiple hollow fibers  14  is warmed by the exothermic member  13  to generate water vapors. Even if the multiple hollow fibers  14  would be broken or damaged, the water to be leaked from the multiple hollow fibers can be made extremely small in volume by taking advantage of the minuteness of each of the multiple hollow fibers  14 , thereby failing to cause to occur any substantial problems that may otherwise cause inconveniences due to the leakage of water.

This application is a divisional application U.S. Ser. No. 10/138,878,filed May 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,551, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. Ser. No. 09/230,010, filed Nov. 26, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,394,084, which was a U.S. national phase application ofInternational Application Ser. No. PCT/IB97/00849, filed Jul. 8, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a humidification unit, a humidifyingunit for an artificial respiratory device, and a method formanufacturing of a humidification unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. 62-26, 076discloses a humidification unit that uses a gas permeable tube having aperipheral wall with minute openings defined in the wall. The openingsare large enough to allow water vapor to permeate through the peripheralwall yet small enough to prevent water from passing therethrough. Morespecifically, this humidification unit includes a gas permeable tubehaving a peripheral wall with minute openings that are arranged in sucha way that an electrically exothermic member having an inner diameter ofat least 3 mm or larger is disposed in this single gas permeable tube.During use, the gas permeable tube communicates with a water supplysource and is filled in with water. Water vapors are discharged from thegas permeable tube through the minute openings provided in theperipheral wall with the aid of heat generated from the electricallyexothermic member.

The humidification unit described above, however, has a disadvantage inthat should the gas permeable tube break, an unacceptably large amountof water is likely to leak outside the tube. For example, in the casewhere such a humidification unit is employed in a patient circuit for anartificial respiratory device, a large quantity of leaking water fromthe gas permeable tube may become hazardous, especially if the leakedwater causes a decrease in the humidifying function or if the leakedwater flows into the intake side of the artificial respiratory device,i.e., the side connected to a patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is on object of the present invention to provide ahumidification unit that does not suffer from the shortcomings of theabove-described conventional humidification devices. It is a furtherobject to provide a humidification unit that is capable of minimizingleakage from the humidification unit shoult the unit be damaged whilestill sustaining the humidifying function.

The present invention has a another object to provide an artificialrespiratory system using such a humidification unit.

Further, the present invention has an object to provide a method formanufacturing such a humidification unit.

In order to achieve these objects, the present invention provides ahumidification unit comprising an exothermic member having an outersurface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surfaceof the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber has a peripheral wall withminute openings that are large enough to allow a gas, such as watervapor, to permeate therethrough, yet small enough to prevent a liquid,such as water, from passing therethrough.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objects, the presentinvention provides a humidification unit comprising an exothermic memberhaving an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on theouter surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber has peripheralwall with minute openings that are large enough to allow a gas, such aswater vapor, to permeate therethrough, yet small enough to prevent aliquid, such as water, from passing therethrough. The exothermic memberand hollow fibers define a humidification element, which is coupled to ashort connection tube that is adapted to be detachably connected to apatient circuit in an artificial respiratory system. Providing a supportmember in the form of the connection tube to which the humidificationelement is attached, allows the entire assemble to be readily disposedinto the patient circuit.

In order to achieve the other objects as described herein above, thepresent invention provides an artificially respiratory system and methodof using same that includes a pressure generator adapted to generate aflow of breathing gas, a patient circuit coupled to the pressuregenerator for delivering the flow of breathing gas to the patient, and ahumidification unit disposed in the patient circuit. The humidificationunit comprises an exothermic member having an outer surface and aplurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of theexothermic member. Each hollow fiber has peripheral wall with minuteopenings that are large enough to allow a gas, such as water vapor, topermeate therethrough, yet small enough to prevent a liquid, such aswater, from passing therethrough. In a further embodiment, a fluidsupply source communicates with the multiple hollow fibers to supplyliquid thereto.

The above objects are also achieved by providing a method for preparinga humidification unit that includes the steps of providing a pluralityof hollow fibers, wherein each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheralwall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to passtherethrough, yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passingtherethrough, and winding the hollow fibers around an exothermic membersuch that the plurality of hollow fibers are disposed on the outersurface of the exothermic member. In a further embodiment, the pluralityof hollow fibers are arranged in a sheet, and the sheet of hollow fibersare wound around the exothermic member such that a longitudinal axis ofthe plurality of hollow fibers is substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the exothermic member. In a still furtherembodiment, the plurality of hollow fibers are arranged in a strip, andthe strip of hollow fibers are wound around the exothermic member inspiral fashion.

Because the plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface ofthe exothermic member define a humidification element with a relativelysmall diameter and because each hollow fiber has a peripheral wall withminute openings that are large enough to allow a gas to permeatetherethrough, yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passingtherethrough, the humidification element can be disposed in a pathhaving a small diameter, and can still provide a significant humidifyingfunction by heating the multiple hollow fibers with the exothermicmember. Furthermore, even if a few of the hollow fibers are damaged,broken, etc., the humidifying function is not significantly compromised,and water leaking from the humidification element is minimized. Inaddition, the exothermic member supports the multiple hollow fibers sothat the entire unit can be transported and handled relatively easily.

By providing an exothermic member that consists of an electricallycontrolled exothermic member, the amount of heat to be applied to thewater in the multiple hollow fibers can be controlled, without waste andwith a high degree of precision. Accordingly, the humidification unitaccording to the present invention can ensure reliability and stabilityin its humidifying function.

By providing an exothermic member consisting of a heating wire forgenerating heat upon transmission of electric current thereto, and byproviding an electrically insulating member disposed around the heatingwire for ensuring electrical insulation, the humidification unit canensure safety upon use, because the insulating performance can beensured even if an electrically powered exothermic member is employed asthe exothermic member.

On the other hand, by providing a heat pipe as the exothermic member,the structure of the humidification unit can be simplified, because itdoes not require electrical insulation. Such a heat pipe also providessupport for the multiple hollow fibers held on the heat pipe employed asthe exothermic member.

Winding the multiple hollow fibers around the exothermic member improvesthe transmission of heat from the exothermic member to the multiplehollow fibers. In addition, the humidifying ability can be readilyincreased or decreased by adjusting the amount of the multiple hollowfibers wound around the exothermic member.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the ends the multiplehollow fibers are joined together and a connector is provided forconnecting the fibers to a fluid source. In a still further embodiment,the connector to the supply of fluid is located on only one end of thefibers, thereby simplifying the use of the humidification unit so thatonly one fluid connection is required. In another embodiment, however,both ends of the multiple hollow fibers are connected to the fluidsupply source to allow fluid to be supplied to both ends of the multiplehollow fibers so that the supply of fluid to each of the multiple hollowfibers can be performed at a high speed and with high precision. Also,should one supply of fluid fail or become blocked, the other serves as abackup.

If the multiple hollow fibers are joined at one end portion, which isthe same as the side of the electric current supply end of theexothermic member, the electric current supply system and the watersupply system can be concentrated at one location.

These and other objects, features and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structure and the combination of parts and economiesof manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram showing a humidifying unit for anartificial respiratory device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an enlarged portion of the humidifying unitof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a humidifying element employed inthe humidifying unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connector for the humidifying unitof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a step in the preparation ofthe humidifying unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a further step in thepreparation of the humidifying unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a still further step in thepreparation of the humidifying unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a humidifying element according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a humidifying element according toa third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a humidifying element according toa fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the multiple hollow fibersarranged in a strip according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the multiple hollow fiberswound around the exothermic member;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a humidifying element according toa fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the humidifying element accordingto a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the humidifyng element accordingto a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the humidifying element accordingto an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the humidifying element accordingto a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the humidifying element accordingto a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

The present invention will be described by way of examples withreference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1 to 7 show thehumidification unit according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a patientcircuit in an artificial respiratory device suitable for connecting anadapter (not shown), which is connected to the lungs of a patient, to asource of breathing gas. An inner portion of patient circuit 1constitutes an intake path 2 for the delivery of breathing gases to anairway of the patient from a supply of breathing gas, such as a pressuregenerator. The flow of breathing gas in patient circuit 1 is indicatedby arrow 3. The inner diameter of patient circuit 1 may be set to be inthe range of, for example, from 14 mm to 16 mm for an infant patient andfrom 20 mm to 24 mm for an adult patient.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, patient circuit 1 is mounteddetachably to a humidification unit 4 that is provided with a shortconnection tube 5 as a support member, a mounting flange 6, and ahumidifying element 7. Connection tube 5 may be a straight tube withboth end portions engaged (connected) in an airtight fashion toconnection end portions 1 a of patient circuit 1. The outer diameter ofconnection tube 5 is set so as to be somewhat larger than the innerdiameter of patient circuit 1, in order to ensure the airtightengagement with patient circuit 1 to be connected thereto, and it may beset appropriately in accordance with the patient circuit to be employed.As a matter of course, in this case, the relationship of engagement ofconnection tube 5 with connection end portions 1 a of patient circuit 1may be such that the inner periphery of connection tube 5 is engagedwith the outer periphery of connection end portions 1 a of patientcircuit 1. In such a case, the inner diameter of connection tube 5 isset to be somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of connection endportions 1 a of patient circuit 1 to be connected thereto, in order toensure the airtight engagement with patient circuit 1 to be connectedthereto. Further, in this case, the use of a packing, a fastening bandor the like may be employed in order to enhance airtightness.

The peripheral wall on one end of connection tube 5 (e.g., on the leftside in FIGS. 1 and 2) is formed with a mounting opening 8 for mountingflange 6. Mounting opening 8 is located at a position outside ofconnection end portion 1 a of patient circuit 1 upon connection withconnection end portion 1 a and disposed so as to allow the inside ofconnection tube 5 to communicate with the outside thereof.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, mounting flange 6 consists of aflange portion 6 a in a square-plate shape or the like and a cylindricalholding portion 6 b. Flange portion 6 a of mounting flange 6 is shapedso as to be disposed along an outer peripheral wall of connection tube 5and it is fixed to connection tube 5 by a screw 9 so as to cover themounting opening 8 of connection tube 5 in a tight manner. Flangeportion 6 a is further provided with a communicating opening 10 thatallows mounting opening 8 of connection tube 5 to open to the outside inthe center of flange portion 6 a.

Holding portion 6 b of mounting flange 6 is disposed so as to standupright with respect to the plate surface of flange portion 6 a, suchthat opening 10 of flange portion 6 a faces an opening 11 at the baseend thereof. Holding portion 6 b is arranged so as to insert throughmounting opening 8 of connection tube 5 over the entire length ofmounting opening 8 of connection tube 5, extending up to the center ofconnection tube 5 in the radial direction, and then curved on the otherend side of connection tube 5 at a generally right angle (on the rightend side in FIGS. 1 and 2). An opening 12 is defined in holding portion6 b so as to face an open end of connection tube 5. Opening 12 at oneend of holding portion 6 b is large enough to engage and holdhumidifying element 7, and opening 12 is arranged so as to communicateto the outside through communicating opening 10 of flange portion 6 a inholding portion 6 b.

As shown in FIG. 3, humidifying element 7 comprises exothermic member13, multiple hollow fibers 14 held at the outer surface of exothermicmember 13, and a mesh cover tube 15 covering exothermic member 13 andmultiple hollow fibers 14. In this embodiment of the present invention,exothermic member 13 is an electrically powered exothermic member of acolumnar shape and has a diameter in the range of, for example, fromapproximately 3 mm to 6 mm, and an entire length in the range of, forexample, from approximately 1 m to 2 m. The length in left-hand andright-hand directions in FIGS. 1 and 2) of exothermic member 13 isshorter that the axial length of connection tube 5. Exothermic member 13comprises a heating wire 16 (a heater wire) and an electricallyinsulating member 17 enclosing the periphery of heating wire 16. Heatingwire 16 is disposed in the inside of electrically insulating member 17and has the function of generating heat upon receiving an electriccurrent. A connection cord 18 is connected to heating wire 16 andextends from one end of exothermic member 13. An end portion ofconnection cord 18 is provided with a connector 19 for supplyingelectric current to the heating wire.

Each hollow fiber constituting the multiple hollow fibers 14 has aperipheral wall with minute openings (for example, a porosity rate ofapproximately 57.8%) which allows a gas, such as water vapor, topermeate therethrough, yet prevents a liquid, such as water, frompassing therethrough. Each hollow fiber is minute in size (for example,having an outer diameter of 413 microns, an inner diameter of 282microns, and an entire length of approximately 1.2 meters-1.5 meters).In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple hollow fibers(the total number of from 40 to 60 hollow fibers in this embodiment) aredisposed such that the axis of each hollow fiber 14 is nearly parallelto the longitudinal axis of exothermic member 13 and the entireperiphery of exothermic member 13 is covered with multiple hollow fibers14. In this embodiment, multiple hollow fibers 14 are folded not rolledin the direction in which they extend, and exothermic member 13 iscovered with the folded multiple hollow fibers. The end portions ofmultiple hollow fibers 14 is arranged so as to extend outward from theends of the exothermic member 13.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the end portions of multiple hollow fibers 14are joined together at a position outside of either end of exothermicmember 13 via an adhesive agent 20 into a bundled state. The bundledportion is formed with a connector 21 having a given shape for supplyingwater to the hollow fibers. Upon forming connector 21, adhesive agent 20may penetrate into the inside of the multiple hollow fibers 14 so thatthe end portion of the bundled multiple hollow fibers 14 into which theadhesive agent has penetrated can be cut in round slices to form a newend surface. Connection cord 18 is disposed so as to extend throughmultiple hollow fibers 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, mesh cover tube 15 is in a mesh that extends in bothits axial and radial directions. Mesh cover tube 5 has an openingextending axially over the entire length and communicating the inside tothe outside thereof. Exothermic member 13 and multiple hollow fibers 14wound around the outer surface of exothermic member 13 are inserted intomesh cover tube 15 in a tight fashion. Multiple hollow fibers 14 areallowed to press against the outer surface of exothermic member 13 by anappropriate degree of pressing force that is created by the force due tothe contraction of mesh cover tube 13.

Humidifying element 7 mainly has an extended shape depending upon theshape of exothermic member 13 and it is shaped such that the diameter ofthe humidifying element is smaller than the inner diameter of connectiontube 5 and such that the length is shorter than the axial length ofconnection tube 5. Humidifying element 7 is arranged so as to beaccommodated in its entirety within connection tube 5.

The end portion (the left end portion in FIGS. 1 and 2) of humidifyingelement 7 is held in a tight engagement with the end portion of holdingportion 6 b of mounting flange 6 in connection tube 5. On the otherhand, the other end portion (the right end portion in FIGS. 1 and 2) ofhumidifying element 7 is a free end and extends toward the other end ofconnection tube 5. Further, the connection cord 18 and multiple hollowfibers 14 extend from holding portion 6 b toward the outside of mountingflange 6 through communicating opening 10. Connector 21 and connector 19are located outside of mounting flange 6.

Humidifying element 7 may be prepared in the steps as shown in FIGS. 5to 7. As shown in FIG. 5, first, multiple hollow fibers 14, each havingthe peripheral wall with minute openings that are large enough to allowwater vapor to permeate therethrough, yet small enough to prevent waterfrom passing therethrough, are prepared so as to be formed into a sheetin which the axis of the multiple hollow fibers 14 are arranged so as tobe generally parallel to each other. By combining the multiple hollowfibers in the manner as described herein above, the multiple hollowfibers can be treated in a collective manner, thereby making itrelatively easy to attach the multiple hollow fibers to exothermicmember 13. In this case, a string member 23 or the like may be employedto join multiple hollow fibers 14 integrally to each other into thesheet of multiple hollow fibers.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, multiple hollow fiber sheet 22 a is folded inthe lengthwise direction in which each of the multiple hollow fibers 14extends, and exothermic member 13 is disposed within folded multiplehollow fiber sheet 22 a. At this time, the other end portion ofexothermic member 13 is arranged so as to be even with the foldedportion of multiple hollow fiber sheet 22 a, while attention is beingpaid to the fact that the folded portion of multiple hollow fiber sheet22 a is not squashed and that the axis of exothermic member 13 isarranged so as to be generally parallel to the axis of multiple hollowfibers 14. Further, both end portions of multiple hollow fibers 14 aredisposed so as to project outward from the one end portion of exothermicmember 13.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, folded multiple hollow fiber sheet 22 ais wound around exothermic member 13. By holding multiple hollow fibers14 to the outer surface of exothermic member 13 and arranging multiplehollow fibers 14 so as to increase the area of exothermic member 13 inwhich multiple hollow fibers 14 are held to exothermic member 13, thehumidifying ability of humidifying element 7 (the humidification unit 4)is improved.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, connection cord 18 is disposedso as to extend through multiple hollow fibers 14 and project toward theoutside of wound multiple hollow fiber sheet 22 a. This allows the workfor forming connector 21 to be conducted with relative east in the stepthat follows.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple hollow fiber sheet 22 a andexothermic member 13 are inserted tightly into extendable mesh covertube 15. The multiple hollow fibers are held with high precision toexothermic member 13 and each of the multiple hollow fibers is incontact with exothermic member 13 with an appropriate degree of thepressing force, thereby improving the transmission of heat fromexothermic member 13 to multiple hollow fibers 14.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the end portion of the folded hollowfiber sheet 22 a is joined together with adhesive agent 20 into abundle. The bundled portion is formed with connector 21 to formhumidifying element 7. This does not require a connector to be preparedseparately and, therefore, reduces the number of parts. Further, thisconfiguration allows water to be supplied to multiple hollow fibers 14from both ends of the multiple hollow fibers 14, for example, therebyallowing each of multiple hollow fibers 14 to be filled with water at ahigh speed and with a high degree of precision.

Connector 21 may be formed by combining the end portions of multiplehollow fibers 14 together or by separately combining each of the endportions of multiple hollow fibers 14 together.

As shown in FIG. 1, connector 21 of humidifying element 7 prepared inthe manner as described herein above, is connected through a watersupply tube 25 to a water bag 24 as a source of supplying water to thehollow fibers. Water bag 24 is filled with a predetermined amount ofwater, and the amount of water in the water bag 24 can be visuallyconfirmed, because water bag 24 is made of a transparent or translucentmaterial. Water bag 24 is mounted on a pole (not shown). Water bag 24 isfurther provided with a water outlet 24 a at its lower portion and withan opening (not shown) at its upper portion through which the inside ofthe bag communicates to the outside.

Water supply tube 25 has one end portion connected (for example, held byengagement) to water outlet 24 a of water bag 24 and another end portionformed with a connector 26 (schematically shown) as the counterpart ofconnector 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Connector 26 is formed so as toengage connector 21 in an airtight manner by a one-touch operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, water supply tube 25 is provided with awater drop counting device 27 as a flow meter for measuring the flow ofwater therethrough. The water drop counting device 27 is arranged so asto allow a flow of water to multiple hollow fibers 14 after the waterhas been dropped from water bag 24 into the water drop counting device27. Further, water drop counting device 27 is arranged so as to visuallyconfirm the state in which the water drops.

Connected to connector 19, as shown in FIG. 1, is another connector 28for supplying of electric current to exothermic number 13. The other endof electric connector 28 is connected to a power source 30 through anadjustment unit 29. By connecting connectors 19 and 28, electric currentis allowed to be supplied to heating wire 16, thereby generating heatand warming each of the multiple hollow fibers 14 to cause them todischarge water vapor into the flow of breathing gas 3 from multiplehollow fibers 14. The amount of the water vapor discharged may beadjusted automatically on the basis of the difference between thepressure of the water vapor in multiple hollow fibers 14 and thepressure of the water vapor in patient circuit 1.

It can be appreciated that the temperature of the flow of breathing gascan be controlled by the exothermic member 13 so as to remain below apredetermined temperature, that is, a temperature at whichinconveniences may be caused to occur for the patient.

In FIG. 1, reference symbol M denotes a monitor. In the illustratedembodiment, monitor M is supplied on the downstream side ofhumidification unit 4 with signals from a temperature-moisture sensor 31for sensing the temperature and the moisture of the flow of breathinggas and signals from a water drop detecting sensor 32 for sensing waterdrops in the water dropping device 27. Monitor M monitors these signalsand operates an alarm (for example, an alarm lamp or an alarm buzzer) ifthe monitored characteristic becomes higher than a set level.

Therefore, humidifying system 34, with the structure as described hereinabove, as a matter of course, humidifies the flow of breathing gas to anappropriate extent by discharging water vapors from humidifying element7 when humidifying element 7 is disposed in patient circuit 1. Further,humidifying system 34 is adapted so as to monitor the breakage of hollowfibers 14 or other damages (i.e., a leakage of water from hollow fibers14) with extremely high precision, because the water drop detectingsensor can sense the leakage of water, even if very small, from hollowfibers 14 due to the breakage or damage of the hollow fibers as avariation in the flow of water drops through water dropping unit 27(i.e., whether the set flow rate is satisfied), and the detected flow istransmitted to monitor M and then to alarm 33.

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present invention, in addition tothe contents as described herein above, multiple hollow fibers 14 areeach extremely small in diameter. Therefore, even if hollow fibers 14are broken or damaged or undergo other faults, the amount of waterleaking from hollow fibers 14 can be minimized to an extremely smalllevel, so that the humidifying ability of the humidifying unit accordingto the present invention is not significantly reduced and theinconveniences and problems which may otherwise be caused due to theleakage of water are also minimized.

In this case, although multiple hollow fibers 14 are generally flexible,they are held on exothermic member 13 that is physically stronger, sothat exothermic member 13 provides function of supporting flexiblehollow fibers 14. Therefore, multiple hollow fibers 14 can alwayssustain their predetermined shape without requiring a separatesupporting means by taking advantage of exothermic member 13 as a unitfor holding the shape of multiple hollow fibers 14.

Further, exothermic member 13 has a columnar shape extending in bothdirections so that the area of the exothermic member for heating themultiple hollow fibers and the area thereof for holding them can beincreased rapidly, thereby enabling improvements in the humidifyingability and enhancing the ability of holding the shape of multiplehollow fibers 14.

Furthermore, as exothermic member 13 consists of electrically poweredexothermic member, the amount of heating of multiple hollow fibers 14(i.e., the water contained herein) can be controlled without waste andwith high precision, thereby providing reliability and safety for thehumidifying ability of the humidification unit 4 according to thepresent invention.

In this case, there is provided electrically insulating member 17enclosing the heating wire 16 for ensuring electrical insulation. Thus,even if an electrically powered exothermic member is employed asexothermic member 13, safety during use can be ensured.

Furthermore, multiple hollow fibers 14 are wound around exothermicmember 13 in such a manner that the axis of each of hollow fiber isarranged so as to be generally parallel to the axis of exothermic member13, thereby ensuring a secure contact of each hollow fiber with theouter surface of exothermic member 13, thereby improving thetransmission of heat to each hollow fiber from exothermic member 13. Inaddition, the amount of multiple hollow fibers 14 wound aroundexothermic member 13 can be readily adjusted, thereby allowing a readyincrease or a decrease of the humidifying ability of the humidificationunit according to the present invention.

In addition, multiple hollow fibers 14 are bundled (joined) outside oneend of the exothermic member 13 and formed with connector 21 forconnection to water bag 24. Therefore, the humidification unit accordingto the present invention minimizes the number of parts, because such aconnector is not required to be prepared separately.

Further, connector 21 for supplying water is located on one end ofexothermic member 13. By using one end of exothermic member 13 as theside for supporting a mounting object, the supporting system, the watersupply system, and the electric current supply system of thehumidification unit 4 according to the present invention can beconcentrated at one location, thereby simplifying the manner of use andthe structure of connection and making the connection more efficient.

On the other hand, each of the multiple hollow fibers can also be filledwith water at a high speed and with high precision by supplying water tothe multiple hollow fibers 14 from both ends. As the peripheral wall ofeach of the multiple hollow fibers 14 is provided with minute openingsthat are each large enough to allow water vapor to permeatetherethrough, yet small enough to fail to permeate water therethrough,air present in each of the multiple hollow fibers 14 can be dischargedthrough the minute openings formed in the peripheral walls of themultiple hollow fibers as the water is supplied thereto. Hence, each ofthe multiple hollow fibers 14 can always be filled in with water withoutthe presence of air therein.

Furthermore, even if one end of the multiple hollow fibers should beblocked, water can still be supplied to the multiple hollow fibers 14form the other end. This arrangement, therefore, enhances thereliability of the water supply to each of the multiple hollow fibers.

Further, in this embodiment of the present invention, humidificationunit 4 is provided with connection tube 5 having a straight tube shapeso that it can be readily set in place in patient circuit 1 simply byconnecting connection tube 5 to connection end portion 1 a of patientcircuit 1. This improves ease of setting the humidification unit inplace.

In addition, because humidifying element 7 is combined in a unit, theassembly of the humidifying element with connection tube 5 can beperformed in a simplified manner using mounting flange 6. Further, thehumidifying element can be assembled directly with patient circuit 1 ina simplified manner by forming the mounting opening 8 in the patientcircuit 1.

Further, as humidifying element 7 is accommodated in connection tube 5in its entirety, the humidifying element is protected by the connectiontube, whereby the mounting operation, the transferring operation andother operations can be carried out in a convenient manner.

In addition, as exothermic member 13 and multiple hollow fibers 14 areinserted into extendable mesh cover tube 15 in a tightly engaged manner,the multiple hollow fibers can be held around the exothermic member withhigh precision and the transmission of heat from the exothermic memberto each of the multiple hollow fibers can be improved, by allowing eachof the multiple hollow fibers to come into contact with the exothermicmember with an appropriate degree of pressing force.

FIG. 8 et seq, show other embodiments of the humidification unitaccording to the present invention. In each of the embodiments thatfollow, the same structuring elements as in the first embodiment areprovided with the identical reference numerals and symbols and aduplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows the humidification unit according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention. In the second embodiment, multiple hollow fibers14 are bundled (joined) at both ends of the exothermic member 13 and thebundled portions are formed each with connector 21 to be connected towater bag 24.

The humidification unit according to this embodiment can reduce thenumber of parts because a connector is not required to be preparedseparately. Further, water can be filled in each of the multiple hollowfibers at a high speed and with high precision, because the water issupplied to each of the multiple hollow fibers from both ends thereof.In addition, even if multiple hollow fibers 14 would be blocked at theconnector on either side of exothermic member 13, water can still besupplied to each of the multiple hollow fibers from the other connector,thereby enhancing the reliability in supplying water to each of themultiple hollow fibers.

FIG. 9 shows a humidification unit according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention. In the third embodiment, multiple hollow fibers14 are bundled (joined) on the side of exothermic member 13 opposite theelectric current supply side of the exothermic member 13 and the bundledportion is formed with connector 21 to be connected to water bag 24.This arrangement allows connector 21 to be formed without taking anelectric current supply system into consideration, thereby making theformation of connector 21 easier.

Of course, the present invention contemplates that connector 21 may beformed on the same side of exothermic member 13 to which electriccurrent supply is connected.

FIGS. 10-12 show a humidification unit according to a fourth embodimentof the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, minute openings areprovided in multiple hollow fibers 14, each opening being large enoughto allow water vapor to permeate therethrough, yet small enough to failto permeate water therethrough. The multiple hollow fibers are formedinto a strip 22 b by connecting each of multiple hollow fibers 14integrally to each other with a string member 23 or the like as shown.Multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b is then wound around exothermic member13 in a spiral manner, and humidifying element 7 is then prepared byinserting multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b and exothermic member 13 intoextendable mesh cover tube 15 in a tightly engaged manner.

In the preparation of the humidifyng element in the manner as describedherein above, there can also be achieved the action and effects similarto those as achieved by the method for the preparation of thehumidification unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10,the multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b is wound around exothermic member13, starting with a one end portion of the exothermic member, over theentire length thereof to the other end portion thereof and thencontinually turning from the other end portion thereof back to the oneend portion thereof. Winding of multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b aroundexothermic member 13 in this manner locates both end portions ofmultiple hollow fibers strip 22 b at the one end portion of exothermicmember 13 and both end portions of multiple hollow fibers strip 22 b areformed with one connector 21. As a matter of course, at this time, bothend portions of the multiple hollow fibers gathering 22 b can be bundledtogether integrally and the bundled portion may be formed with oneconnector 21.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the amount ofmultiple hollow fibers 14 held on exothermic member 13 can be increased,thereby improving the humidifying ability. At the same time, as both endportions of multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b are located at one endportion of exothermic member 13, the humidification unit according tothe fourth embodiment of the present invention can achieve the actionand effects equivalent of those as achieved in the first embodiment(FIG. 3).

FIG. 13 shows a humidification unit according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention and specifically shows a variant of the manner ofwinding multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b around exothermic member 13. Inthe fifth embodiment, multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b is wound aroundexothermic member 13 starting with a one end portion of exothermicmember 13 and extending over the entire length up to the other endportion of the exothermic member in a manner such that the one endportion of multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b is located at the one endportion of the exothermic member and the other end portion of themultiple hollow fiber strip is located at the other end portion of theexothermic member. Further, the openings at end portion 35 of strip 22 bare closed with adhesive agent or the like (the openings at end portion35 of multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b are closed is shown by obliquelines in the drawing). Furthermore, one end portion of multiple hollowfiber strip 22 b is bundled (joined) and the bundled portion is formedwith connector 21.

As multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b is wound around the exothermicmember 13 in a spiral form in the manner as described herein above, evenwhere connector 21 is to be located at one side of exothermic member 13that is the same and where the electric current supply is provided toexothermic member 13, connector 21 can be formed without taking theelectric current supply system into consideration, thereby facilitatingthe preparation of connector 21.

FIG. 14 shows a humidification unit in accordance with a sixthembodiment of the present invention, which is a variant of the fifthembodiment as described herein above. In the sixth embodiment, one endportion of multiple hollow fiber strip 22 b, which is wound aroundexothermic member 13, is located at one end portion of the exothermicmember 13, and the other end portion of strip 22 b is located at theother end portion of the exothermic member 13. Further, multiple hollowfiber strip 22 b is bundled (joined) at each end portion thereof, andeach of the bundled portions is formed with a connector 21. Thisarrangement can achieve the action and effects equivalent of those asachieved by humidifying element 7 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a humidification unit in accordance with a seventhembodiment of the present invention, which is a variant of thehumidification unit 4. In the humidification unit 4 of FIG. 15, mountingflange 6 is arranged in a manner such that holding portion 6 b′, isdisposed standing upright from flange portion 6 a and one end portion ofhumidifying element 7 is curved at a nearly right angle with respect tothe other end portion thereof. Further, one end portion of humidifyingelement 7 is held to holding portion 6 b′ by engagement therewith.

In this case, humidifying element 7 can be disposed with the other endportion thereof extending in the axial direction of connection tube 5 bymounting mounting flange 6 on connection tube 5.

FIG. 16 shows a humidification unit in accordance with an eighthembodiment of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment,connection tube 5′ is a generally L-shaped tube and is disposed in sucha manner that one end portion of humidifying element 7 is mountedthrough mounting flange 6 on a first tube portion 5 a on one end ofconnection tube 5′ in a region where the end portion of humidifyingelement 7 faces a sectional surface of the path defined in a second tubeportion 5 b on the other side of connection tube 5′. The other end ofthe humidifying element 7 extends in an axial direction of second tubeportion 5 b on the other side of connection tube 5′ in second tubeportion 5 b.

This arrangement allows the generally L-shaped tube to be detachablymounted to patient circuit 1 in the same manner as in the firstembodiment described above. In this embodiment, first tube portion 5 aon one side of the generally L-shaped tube 5′ can be employed as asupporting portion (a mounting portion) for supporting humidifyingelement 7 with high precision and further humidifying element 7 is setready for use simply by inserting humidifying element 7 into mountingopening 8 of connection tube 5′ at a right angle to the first tubeportion 5 a on one side of connection tube 5′.

FIG. 17 shows a humidification unit according to a ninth embodiment ofthe present invention, which is a variant of the humidification unitaccording to the eighth embodiment as described herein above. In theninth embodiment, connection tube 5″ is of an inner-outer double tubestructure. A second tube portion 5 b on one side of connection tube 5″is used as done in the eighth embodiment and may be further employed asan inner tube 36 of the connection tube according to this embodiment.Inner tube 36 is disposed such that an outer tube 37 encloses the outerperiphery of inner tube 36, thereby forming a ring-shaped path aroundand between an outer wall surface of the inner tube and an inner wallsurface of the outer tube.

In this embodiment, connection tube 5″ can be connected to anartificially respiratory circuit of an inner-outer double tube structureand the humidification unit according to this embodiment can be setreadily to such an artificially respiratory circuit. In this case,exhaled gases are allowed to flow on the side of the outer tube (betweenthe inner tube and the outer tube) and it is possible to prevent watervapors within the inner tube from condensing by using the heat from theexhaled gases flowing in the ring-shaped path.

FIG. 18 shows a humidification unit in a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention, which shows a variant of exothermic member 13. In the tenthembodiment, a heat pipe 38 is employed as the exothermic member and aheater 39 is mounted on a one end portion of heat pipe 38.

This arrangement of the exothermic member can simplify the structure ofthe humidification unit, because it is not necessary to ensureinsulation in a region where multiple hollow fibers 14 are held andhumidified. Further, using a general intensity member for heat pipe 38,the position of the multiple hollow fibers 14 held to the heat pipe canbe enhanced to a higher extent. Further, by using heater 39 as a heatsource of an endothermic portion of heat pipe 38, the action of the heatpipe 38 as the exothermic member 13 can be ensured.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A method of manufacturing a humidification element comprising:providing a plurality of hollow fibers, wherein each hollow fiber in theplurality of hollow fibers includes a fluid carrying channel defined bya peripheral wall of the hollow fiber, wherein the peripheral wallincludes minute openings large enough to allow a gas to passtherethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passingtherethrough; and wrapping the plurality of hollow fibers around anexothermic member such that the plurality of hollow fibers are disposedon the outer surface of the exothermic member and a fluid does notcontact the exothermic member while traveling along the fluid carryingchannel.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising arranging theplurality of hollow fibers in a sheet, and wherein wrapping theplurality of hollow fibers around the exothermic member includeswrapping the sheet of hollow fibers such that a longitudinal axis of theplurality of hollow fibers is substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the exothermic member.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising arranging the plurality of hollow fibers in a strip, andwherein wrapping the plurality of hollow around the exothermic memberincludes wrapping the strip of hollow fibers in a spiral around theexothermic member.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein wrapping theplurality of hollow fibers around the exothermic member includeswrapping the hollow fibers such that a longitudinal axis of theplurality of hollow fibers is substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the exothermic member.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising connecting an end portion of the plurality of hollowfibers to a connector which is adapted for selective connection to afluid supply system.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdisposing a perforated covering over the exothermic member and theplurality of hollow fibers.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theplurality of hollow fibers are wrapped around the exothermic member suchthat both ends of the plurality of hollow fibers are disposed at acommon end portion of the exothermic member.